AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Oregon’s wildfire season is still surging, with more than a million acres burned across the Northwest and smoke blanketing communities—Idaho’s Treasure Valley reported some of the worst air quality in the country, forcing event changes and health warnings. Fire Weather Alert: The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of Washington and Oregon this weekend, citing strong winds and low humidity that could make any new fire spread fast. State Environmental Enforcement: Oregon DEQ announced 10 enforcement actions in June totaling $270,753, including penalties tied to spills, greenhouse gas reporting, and wastewater diversion. Water Stress in Central Oregon: The Metolius River is running low after very dry years, raising concerns for bull trout and other native fish as flows hover near observed minimums. Data Centers & Public Backlash: Oregon Connects launched a statewide ad push defending data centers, while the broader fight over data center impacts—water, energy, land, and jobs—continues in court and at city meetings. Conservation on the Ground: A burrowing-owl recovery effort at the former Umatilla Chemical Depot is continuing after the death of David H. Johnson, using artificial burrows to replace lost habitat. Community Nature Access: Central Oregon groups launched a Youth Nature Access Fund to help kids afford outdoor trips, learning, and camp scholarships. Outdoor Safety Prep: A wildfire safety guide highlights defensible space steps homeowners can take now to reduce ignition risk.

Wildfire & Smoke Crisis: Oregon is on track for another record wildfire season, with 1.5M+ acres burning and smoke driving unhealthy air across the state and into Idaho; DEQ issued multiple smoke advisories and urged people to stay inside, use HEPA filtration, and avoid strenuous activity. Fire Weather Watch: The National Weather Service in Pendleton warned of critical fire weather this Saturday across much of WA and OR, with strong winds and very low humidity that could rapidly spread any new fire. Access Closures: ODFW closed Northeastern Oregon Access and Habitat areas due to extreme fire danger and limited firefighting resources. Water Stress for Fish: The Metolius River flow remains very low after several dry years, raising concerns for bull trout and other native fish. PFAS Fight: Oregon AG Brown filed comments opposing EPA rollbacks on PFAS drinking-water limits. Data Center Pushback: A pro-data-center nonprofit, Oregon Connects, launched TV and social ads in Oregon after the legislature paused a major tax incentive—aiming to counter environmental and cost concerns. Conservation Spotlight: David H. Johnson’s “owl man” work at the former Umatilla Chemical Depot helped restore burrowing owls with artificial burrows. Community Nature Access: NatureConnect and partners launched a Youth Nature Access Fund to remove barriers to outdoor learning and camp experiences in Central Oregon.

Wildfire & smoke impacts: Oregon is dealing with massive fire activity—1.5 million acres burning statewide as of July 28, with dozens of large fires and major suppression costs—while air quality advisories and closures ripple across the region. Central Oregon fire updates: Multiple fires near Prineville have merged into the Crosswhite West Fire, now managed as a larger complex as crews protect neighborhoods, roads, and natural resources. Air quality guidance: In Idaho, wildfire smoke pushed Boise and much of the state into very unhealthy conditions, prompting advisories and strict limits on outdoor burning. Water safety: Oregon Health Authority issued a cyanotoxin health advisory for Odell Lake, warning people to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities where blooms are present. Clean energy & policy: Oregon planners delivered an offshore wind “roadmap” to the Legislature, aiming to set standards for future development after earlier political and federal setbacks. Data centers in Oregon: Oregon Rural Action launched a petition calling for an immediate stop to more eastern Oregon data center growth, citing pressure on water, power, and public health. Clean vehicles: DEQ announced the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program will reopen Aug. 25 through Nov. 4, with rebates expected to sell out.

Wildfire Emergency: Oregon is dealing with 1.5 million acres of active fire, with 32 large wildfires and major smoke impacts; the Grasshopper Fire has surged to nearly 14,000 acres in Mt. Hood National Forest and triggered evacuations, while the state’s suppression costs are already at $144 million and Painted Hills/John Day Fossil Beds units remain closed. Public Health: OHA issued an Odell Lake cyanotoxin advisory—avoid swimming and high-speed water activities where blooms are present—and health officials are warning about smoke risks as fine particles drive worsening air quality. Water Safety: Oregon DEQ lifted two swimming advisories in Dare County after bacteria levels dropped below standards. Local Land-Use Fight: Salem residents packed a council meeting to oppose a proposed $5.1 billion data center, while Hillsboro adopted a four-month moratorium on new data centers. Clean Transportation: DEQ says the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program reopens Aug. 25 through Nov. 4, with rebates expected to be fully subscribed. Ballot Watch: Oregon’s animal-cruelty initiative IP28 failed to qualify for the November ballot. Climate Courts: Youth plaintiffs are asking the full Ninth Circuit to rehear a climate case challenging executive orders.

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Oregon’s DEQ extended a hazardous air quality advisory for eastern and central counties as smoke from dozens of wildfires lingered, with conditions expected to stay poor through at least July 29. Major Highway Disruption: Interstate 84 was shut for about 70 miles between Baker City and Ontario due to the Fox Fire, reopening later that day. Endangered Species Protections: A report says the Forest Service quietly rewrote protections for imperiled species and withheld new biological documents from the public. Conservation Land Back: Save the Redwoods League restored and transferred a former old-growth sawmill site near Redwood National Park to the Yurok Tribe, creating a new public gateway with trails and interpretive exhibits. Oregon Policy & Infrastructure: Oregon is set to charge service providers more for undersea cable installations, including tripling application fees and adding compensation for undersea infrastructure. Data Centers & Local Control: In Ogle County, officials said they’ve received no data center applications and are updating conditional-use rules to keep siting in industrial zones. AZA Conference in Portland: The Association of Zoos and Aquariums will hold its 2026 annual conference in Portland Sept. 26–Oct. 1.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Oregon and the Pacific Northwest are still choking on smoke, with 51 large uncontained fires in Oregon and Washington burning over 1.5 million acres and advisories urging people—especially sensitive groups—to limit time outdoors. Air-Quality Alerts in the Region: Eastern Oregon and parts of Washington and Idaho are seeing unhealthy conditions, and Idaho’s DEQ issued advisories and burn bans as smoke drifts in. Oregon Clean Water Win: Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority received two “Best of the Best” awards from the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies for renewable energy and resiliency work. Wastewater Funding: Redmond is set to receive a $1.25 million EPA investment to expand its sustainable wastewater treatment system. Coastal Infrastructure Fees: Oregon plans to triple application fees and change pricing for undersea cable installations, aiming to raise about $1 million per new cable. Shark Protection Enforcement: An Oregon man faces charges in Washington for allegedly catching and handling protected sharks in Puget Sound. Federal Rule Battles: Oregon-linked legal fights continue as states challenge EPA moves that would weaken environmental review and climate protections.

Wildfire smoke and fire growth: Oregon and Washington have now surpassed 1 million acres burned, with lightning-sparked blazes driving rapid spread and hazardous conditions. Smoke from fires across the Northwest is expected to travel widely, including into the central U.S., while air quality alerts warn people to stay indoors and limit exposure. Local emergency response: The Oregon State Fire Marshal invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Shingle Fire in Grant and Wheeler counties, mobilizing incident management teams as evacuations expand. Climate policy push in Oregon: The Oregon Climate Action Commission is urging lawmakers to double targets for natural carbon capture and storage on state lands and waters, even as federal moves threaten forests and grazing areas. Endangered species protections: Oregon agencies are moving ahead with habitat conservation plans despite federal changes that could weaken the Endangered Species Act’s “harm” framework. Data centers meet public backlash: A Hillsboro, Oregon fight over data centers continues, with protests and legal challenges tied to land use and tax incentives. Wildlife enforcement: Washington charged an Oregon man for allegedly illegally “wrestling” protected sharks in Puget Sound and posting the acts online. Nuclear safety debate: Federal regulators propose changing a long-standing radiation safety principle, a shift that could affect how facilities manage exposure.

Wetlands Fight in Eugene: Amazon’s Eugene distribution center work has started even as residents appeal a state wetland permit, arguing Oregon Department of State Lands didn’t properly meet “public need” and “public health and safety” tests. Wildfire Smoke Health: Air quality alerts and advisories hit much of Oregon and the Northwest, with officials warning people to stay indoors as smoke and ozone push conditions into unhealthy and even hazardous ranges. Lightning-Sparked Fire Spread: Mid-July dry thunderstorms ignited dozens of fires across Oregon and Washington, and crews are still battling fast-moving blazes fueled by heat, low humidity, and gusty winds. Endangered Species Protections: Oregon land managers are moving ahead with habitat conservation plans even as federal changes threaten to weaken the Endangered Species Act’s habitat protections. Climate Storage Push: The Oregon Climate Action Commission wants to double targets for capturing and storing planet-warming carbon in Oregon lands and waters. Coastal Park Rules: Oregon State Parks urges visitors to follow guidance on collecting shells, wildlife safety, and rip-current awareness. Shark Harassment Case: An Oregon man faces charges in Washington after alleged “wrestling” and harassing protected sixgill and sevengill sharks for social media.

Wildfire & smoke watch: Oregon DEQ extended an eastern/central Oregon air quality advisory through at least Friday as wildfire smoke kept PM2.5 levels in the unhealthy range across multiple counties, with intermittent smoke also reaching parts of the metro and beyond. Firefighting pressure: A hot, windy Saturday in Central Oregon pushed fire growth and forced evacuations, with crews working to strengthen control lines around multiple incidents. Local access after disaster: Salmon Falls near Gates reopened after a six-year closure, with new trails, bridges, a wheelchair-friendly path, and a larger parking area following Beachie Creek Fire damage. Wildlife conflict, legal fallout: An Oregon man faces charges in Washington for allegedly illegally “wrestling” protected sharks in Puget Sound, after months of investigation and body-camera footage. Conservation policy in the courts: Oregon joined a lawsuit challenging FEMA and DHS grant conditions tied to election and immigration requirements, arguing the federal government is politicizing disaster recovery. Wildlife tragedy: A bear that wandered about 25 miles through Southern Oregon neighborhoods was euthanized after officials said it became too comfortable around people and was in poor health. Gray whale research convenes: OSU and partners are set to host a range-wide gray whale science symposium in Newport to address unprecedented threats to the species.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Oregon DEQ extended an eastern/central Oregon air quality advisory through at least Friday as wildfire smoke blanketed Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Grant, Jefferson, Malheur, Morrow, Union, Umatilla and Wheeler, with intermittent smoke in nearby counties. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Salem’s $45M seismic upgrade at City Hall/Civic Center is ahead of schedule, with work expected to finish in January 2027. Wildlife & Human Conflict: A juvenile bear that traveled more than 25 miles through Southern Oregon neighborhoods was euthanized in Shady Cove after officials said it was severely emaciated and had lost fear of people. Gray Whales Research: Newport will host a range-wide gray whale science symposium Sept. 9–10 at Hatfield Marine Science Center, aiming to tackle unprecedented survival challenges. Clean Energy Funding Fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024—sparking backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Oregon Ballot Update: A proposed animal-cruelty initiative (IP-28) failed to qualify for November after signature verification fell short. Data Centers & Air Concerns: A report highlights how data centers could worsen Eastern Oregon air quality, as Oregon regulators face questions about diesel backup pollution and modeling impacts.

Clean-Energy Grants Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants based solely on which states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: With drought and excessive heat driving higher-than-average fire activity across the West, Oregon communities are bracing for worsening smoke and health impacts as wildfires burn and air quality advisories expand. Oregon Lawsuit Over FEMA Conditions: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield joined a coalition of states suing FEMA and DHS to block new disaster-funding requirements tied to election and immigration policy. Ballot Measure Fails: Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act) failed to qualify for the November ballot, meaning it won’t move forward to broadly expand animal-cruelty criminalization. Public Lands Management: A new push for better public lands enforcement and management highlights how on-the-ground rules shape recreation and conservation outcomes. Data Centers & Air Quality: A report flags how data centers could pose outsized risks to Eastern Oregon’s air quality, adding to local concerns about pollution and diesel backup power.

Data Center Air Fight: A new report spotlights how diesel backup generators and cooling emissions from Oregon’s fast-growing data center boom could worsen Eastern Oregon air quality—yet state regulators haven’t modeled the risk. Salem Development Watch: A proposed $5.1 billion data center in southeast Salem has sparked immediate backlash and support as the city stresses the project isn’t final and public input is still ahead. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Oregon continues to face poor air from wildfire smoke and dangerous heat, with guidance aimed at protecting people with heart and lung conditions and those in solitary confinement. Endangered Species Act: Oregon voices are pushing back as federal rules weaken ESA “harm” protections—raising alarms for recovery work tied to the Deschutes River. Central Oregon Housing: Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity finished 13 net-zero, permanently affordable homes in Redmond, adding stability for local workers. Birds vs. Wind Power: PacifiCorp and OSU are testing whether painting turbine blades black can cut bird fatalities at an Oregon wind farm. Local Water Infrastructure: John Day City Council will weigh a wastewater treatment plant change order tied to federal “Buy America” rules.

Wildfire heat and power stress: Portland-area residents faced outages affecting 8,300 PGE customers as temperatures neared triple digits, with Multnomah County opening cooling options. Air quality monitoring: Clatsop County added three new air quality monitors to a statewide DEQ/EPA network, helping residents track what they’re breathing. Climate targets for natural carbon storage: Oregon’s Climate Action Commission is urging bigger goals for capturing and storing planet-warming carbon in forests, grasslands, wetlands and farm lands. Endangered Species Act fight: Federal agencies finalized a narrower definition of “harm,” potentially weakening habitat protections—prompting lawsuits and Oregon’s pushback. Data center backlash and costs: A national “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” is expanding, while communities keep resisting new data centers over power, noise and water impacts. Local environment and wildlife: Oregon’s DEQ is placing Clackamas County under an air quality advisory, and Oregon’s windfarm is being studied for bird fatalities. Conservation in the courts: Oregon is among states challenging EPA greenhouse-gas rules, including HFC limits. Health and land use: A Salem Health–Santiam Hospital merger hearing is set for Aug. 5, with public input invited.

Endangered Species Act fight: Oregon and other states are suing the Trump administration over a rule that narrows “harm” under the ESA, potentially opening habitat for logging, mining, and drilling. Climate storage push: Oregon’s Climate Action Commission wants to double goals for capturing and storing planet-warming carbon on state lands and waters, warning that logging and soil-eroding farming could undermine progress. Wildfire smoke health: Central Oregon residents are dealing with hazardous smoke; a local pulmonologist says PM2.5 exposure can raise risks for heart attacks and kidney problems, especially for people with asthma, COPD, and heart or kidney disease. Air quality monitoring: DEQ explains why AQI readings can vary across Oregon depending on monitoring networks, and urges people to use broader trends—not one spike—to decide how to protect themselves. Data center backlash: Republican governors and utilities are backing a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” meant to keep data-center grid costs off consumers’ bills, while a new poll finds most Americans oppose data centers in or near their communities. Pollinator concern: A new look at “houdini flies” highlights a growing threat to mason bees, a key native pollinator for Oregon’s wild and working landscapes. Wildlife research: PacifiCorp and OSU are testing painted wind-turbine blades to reduce bird deaths, following results from Norway. Local wildlife incident: Oregon State Police euthanized a malnourished black bear after it lingered near people in Shady Cove.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Oregon DEQ extended wildfire-driven air quality advisories, including Clackamas County through at least July 22 and much of Northeastern Oregon through at least Friday, urging people—especially sensitive groups—to stay indoors, use filters, and limit outdoor activity. State Forests Management: The Oregon Board of Forestry approved a new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan for 640,000 acres, shifting priorities toward cleaner air and water, wildlife habitat and plant diversity, and climate adaptation, with expected timber volume declines. Conservation Legal Fight (ESA): Conservation groups and an Oregon fishing guide sued over a new Endangered Species Act interpretation that narrows what “harm” means, arguing it could allow habitat destruction for listed species. Oregon Wildlife Monitoring: Adventure Scientists is expanding a model that trains volunteers to collect research-grade conservation data, including deploying passive recording devices across remote forests in Oregon and beyond. Coastal Enforcement: Oregon’s ODFW cited a crab fisher for attempting to smuggle 65 undersized Dungeness crabs, seizing and releasing them back to the marina. Local Fire Response: Portland Fire & Rescue sent a specialized REMS rescue team to support firefighters on the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters.

Wildfire Response: Portland Fire & Rescue sent a four-person Rapid Extrication Module Support team to help Oregon Department of Forestry crews on the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters for 7–14 days, bringing high-angle rope rescue and advanced medical gear. Air Quality: Oregon DEQ extended a NE Oregon wildfire smoke advisory through at least Friday, covering Baker, Grant, Union, southern Umatilla, Morrow and Wheeler counties. State Forests: The Oregon Board of Forestry approved a new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, tied to later federal approval of a habitat conservation plan. EV Charging: Oregon’s $10.9M Community Charging Rebates program added 1,915 Level 2 ports statewide, with more funding expected later this year. Recycling Rules: Portland starts a curbside recycling quality pilot in August to cut contamination by giving residents direct feedback. Public Health: Oregon AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push against EPA rollbacks on PFAS testing limits in drinking water. Wildlife: A wandering bear in Jackson County’s Shady Cove was humanely euthanized after repeated hazing attempts and signs of severe emaciation. Local Governance: Hillsboro paused a data center tax-break program to close a potential loophole and require public hearings for new agreements.